Which symptom would a nurse associate with a client experiencing chronic pain instead of acute pain?

A client experiencing chronic pain is often associated with reduced mobility. This is due to the persistent nature of chronic pain, which can limit a person's ability to move comfortably. Over time, this limitation can lead to decreased physical activity, further exacerbating pain and resulting in a cycle of ongoing discomfort and reduced mobility.

In chronic pain conditions, individuals may adapt their movement patterns or avoid certain activities to prevent exacerbation of pain, leading to muscle weakness or stiffness. Unlike acute pain, which may be more associated with specific injuries or short-term conditions that do not generally lead to long-term reductions in mobility, chronic pain can influence overall physical function and quality of life over an extended period, and this relationship makes reduced mobility a significant symptom of chronic pain.

The other potential symptoms listed do not consistently distinguish chronic pain from acute pain in the same way as reduced mobility does. For example, severe emotional distress can occur with both chronic and acute pain, stable appetite is not a reliable indicator, and skin temperature can vary based on other factors beyond pain duration.